Data protection refers to the procedures, practices and technologies which ensure that data is available when needed, regardless whether it's corrupted or lost. This covers everything from data backups to solid-state drives and cloud storage and other forms of high availability. It also includes security measures to protect information from access by unauthorized users.

Data protection also covers laws and regulations that regulate the manner in which personal information is gathered, used and stored. GDPR is a prime example that imposes penalties for non-compliance and establishes the minimum standards that all member states must follow. GDPR compliance requires a detailed explanation of how and why specific kinds of data are collected and the names of those who collected the data and the purpose of each processing action. The GDPR also demands that data be accurate and not kept for longer than is necessary. Any personal information is to be stored in a secure manner.

As the volume of data that businesses handle increases as does the burden to protect it. Mishandled data can lead to sanctions, reputational damage and other financial burdens. 79% of consumers believe in firms more if they prioritise data security, and more than 80% of them will stop doing any business with a firm which has been the victim of a data breach.

While it is possible to safeguard data without the use of technology, the best way to protect data is to secure all sensitive data prior to sharing. Additionally physical devices and storage should be appropriately labeled and secured (e.g. external drives, USBs as well as printed files and documentation) to protect them from loss or unauthorized access. When it comes time to delete information, ensure that it is completely removed from all systems and backups.

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